Senator Rupp: Protecting Children, Motorists and Religion in the Show-Me State

(State Sen. Scott Rupp, R-, publishes a weekly newsletter. The opinions expressed in the column are those of Sen. Rupp and do not reflect the views of the Wentzville Patch. —Ed.)

This week, I’ll continue to discuss legislation slated to become law in our state. The following bills originated in the Senate and ultimately passed both chambers of the Legislature. These measures have been sent to the governor for his consideration and signature into law.

Putting an End to Children’s Suffering

As a lawmaker, and more importantly, as a parent with young kids at home, preventing children from suffering in our state is very important to me. In my career as a state senator, I make every effort possible to protect young Missourians and promote the importance of a loving family.

Senate Bill 628, would, among other provisions, create the Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect. The panel’s responsibility would be to: study and analyze Missouri’s child abuse and neglect reporting and investigation system; devise a plan for improving the decision process for removing a child from a home; determine the additional personnel and resources necessary to adequately protect children and improve their welfare; and address the need for additional foster care homes and to improve the quality of care provided to abused and neglected children in the custody of the state.

All children deserve to live in a safe and happy environment with people who love and care for them, and this measure would provide help to children and families in situations that require intervention.

Another bill passed by the Legislature, SB 599, also contains a provision addressing child abuse. The measure states that under current law, if a school receives a report of child abuse arising from school personnel following the district's policy on spanking or the use of reasonable force to protect people or property, the school superintendent or school board president must send a notice of the incident to the county juvenile officer. This measure would require the notice to be sent to the law enforcement in the county.

Keeping Missourians Safe on the Roadways

Keeping a cool head on the road and driving responsibly can help ensure everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound. It’s also vital to slow down and be cautious around work zones to keep yourself and the individuals working diligently on our roadways safe.

Senate Bill 470 addresses several aspects of state transportation, including Missouri’s Move Over law. The bill, if signed, would amend the law so that drivers who approach stationary emergency vehicles or vehicles owned by the commission and operated by Department of Transportation employees displaying amber or amber and white lights would be required to proceed with caution by making a lane change away from the stationary vehicle, if possible.

Distracted and rushed driving isn’t safe for anyone on the road, and motorists need to be reminded to take it slow and be alert.

Allowing Missourians to Worship in Peace

Fighting for religious freedom is a primary drive in my legislative career. One of the bills I co-sponsored this session (SB 749), which has also been sent to the governor, protects Missourians’ religious beliefs and moral convictions by allowing health care professionals and entities to decline or refuse health care plan coverage for certain services such as abortion, contraception, and sterilization, without penalty of discrimination.

Another valuable bill on its way to the governor’s desk is SB 755, which would create the “House of Worship Protection Act.” Under this act, a person commits the crime of disturbing a house of worship if he or she intentionally and unreasonably disturbs a building used for religious purposes by using profanity, rude or indecent behavior, or making noise. That person also commits the crime if he or she engages in such behavior within the house of worship or so close to the building that the services are disturbed.

The right to worship freely is one of the most paramount freedoms outlined in our U.S. Constitution. Missourians need to rest assured that they can go and worship with their family and friends without fear or judgment, and those who disturb this liberty would face consequences.

I’ll continue to keep readers up-to-date on bills slated to become law, as well as news on the governor’s actions toward these measures. If you have any questions about legislation, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me or contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1282.